Blog

A New Lease on Life

Posted
on Nov 30, 2016

The Opportunity
Possibilities Africa has been working in partnership with pastor leaders in Nandi, Kenya, to provide opportunities to transform lives. Nandi is the home of Kenya’s celebrated runners and is also known for its lush tea estates. Unfortunately not everyone from Nandi has the chance to be a gifted athlete or a successful tea farmer.

Emmanuel Shikali lives in the Nandi community, and he told us his story during a recent visit. He dropped out of school upon reaching class 8 due to lack of school fees. His parents were very poor. As a result, he did manual work for his neighbors, but the money would only sustain him for a day or two. Then he was forced to look for another job; his life seemed unbearable.

Possibilities Africa’s Leadership
In the midst of all this a friend encouraged him to visit a local small church called Dunamis Gospel Church where a PA trained Pastor, David Chonge, serves. Thanks to training by Possibilities Africa, Pastor David understood that his church has a role in the community to help people like Emmanuel. He also knew that the solution would not come from providing handouts but rather guiding Emmanuel to take responsibility to improve his life.

The Transformation
Pastor David advised him to accept Jesus as his personal savior and he accepted Christ that day. The Pastor also encouraged him to work hard to reach his potential. A short time later Emmanuel got married and his life became even more difficult. When he returned to the church for help, Pastor David arranged for temporary shelter. Then Emmanuel began going to a local market to help a friend sell used clothes and making about $1 a day. He also started to participate in the church’s revolving fund supported by PA, saving about $1 a week. After some time he was given a loan of KES 2,000 ($20), guaranteed by Pastor David, which he used to start his own business of selling second hand clothes. Within a short time Emmanuel’s sales and revenue increased to $60 a day. His business continues to grow.

Emmanuel participates in weekly prayer and Bible study within his church and has grown spiritually. His two children and wife are also actively involved in the activities of the church. Indeed, Emanuel has found a new sense of hope, through the spark that was created by Pastor David’s ministry and using PA’s seed money for his new business.

This story tells of what good servant leadership has been brought to the community by pastors trained by Possibilities Africa. It shows how one’s life can improve by simply taking responsibility with limited “hands-up” assistance. It also shows how individual lives can be changed spiritually, socially and economically.

The story of Emmanuel reminds us that with God all things are possible!